KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City is investing in the future of its workforce. On April 17, the City committed $25 million toward creating the new Northland Workforce Development Center (NWDC), a cutting-edge training hub designed to meet regional demand for skilled labor and modernize the existing Northland Career Center.
The $74 million project is led by the Northland Workforce Development Center Corporation, a 501(c)(3) founded in 2023. With $42.8 million already secured, including a $37 million investment from the State of Missouri, Kansas City’s commitment moves the campaign significantly closer to the finish line.
“This project is about more than bricks and mortar—it’s about providing opportunities for the next generation,” said Councilmember Willett. “The new center will train and inspire our future first responders, welders, electricians, nurses, and other professionals to meet the workforce needs of the greater Kansas City region.”
Championed by Willett, the City’s funding ordinance earned broad Council support, including co-sponsors Mayor Quinton Lucas and Councilmembers Kevin O’Neill, Lindsay French, Melissa Robinson, Ryana Parks-Shaw, Crispin Rea, Johnathan Duncan, Wes Rogers, and Andrea Bough.
“Kansas City’s growth over the next generation will be dictated by the workers we can develop and attract,” said Mayor Lucas. The City’s investment in the Northland Workforce Development Center represents our commitment to building the region’s economic future while also investing in one of the fastest growing areas in our entire region and state. The partnership between the city, state, and Northland Workforce Development Center Corporation demonstrates what we can accomplish when we work together toward a shared vision of prosperity for all Kansas Citians.”
The new facility will replace the existing Platte City campus and expand programming to serve both high school students and adult learners. The upgraded campus will feature modern labs, classrooms, and industry-driven programs in healthcare, construction, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.
Kansas City’s investment is financed through taxable special obligation bonds generated from new development revenue near the project site. The agreement includes strategic provisions to ensure lasting community benefit:
- No ongoing financial or operational obligations for the City
- Free facility access for community events, job fairs, and City-led training programs
- Discounted tuition for City employees
In addition, the ordinance directs the City Manager to explore potential satellite training sites across Kansas City to reduce transportation barriers and expand access.
To learn more or support the campaign, visit www.NWDCKC.org or contact Campaign Lead Brian Noller at (816) 206-8750 or noller.brian@pcr3schools.org.
Media with questions may contact Sherae Honeycutt, Press Secretary of Kansas City at Sherae.Honeycutt@kcmo.org or media@kcmo.org.
Additional Support
“The local funding for the Northland Career Center is a major step to match the state’s $37 million commitment. I’m excited that construction on the project will be able to start soon. I began working to secure the state funding years ago because of my belief that we need a world-class career center in the Northland to meet the workforce needs of the Kansas City region.”
— Senator Tony Luetkemeyer
“IAFF Local 42 proudly supports the Northland Workforce Development Center and its mission to prepare students for careers in the fire service. This program offers high schoolers a unique, life-changing opportunity to begin their training early. By developing essential skills and a sense of duty, these students will be ready to serve our community with pride and professionalism. We are excited for the future of this program—it will help build and inspire the next generation of firefighters.”
— Dan Heizman, President, IAFF Local No. 42
“Outstanding project that will prepare students to become work-ready in a myriad of career options… such a benefit for our local workforce and employers.”
— Representative Chris Brown
“Over the past several years, we have turned a dream into an idea, then into a concept, into a plan. Now, with this contribution from the City of Kansas City, we will make the Northland Workforce Development Center a reality. We could not be more thankful to Councilmember Willett for his leadership, our Councilmembers O’Neill, Rogers, Rea, French, Mayor Lucas, Mayor Pro Tem Parks-Shaw, and the entire City Council and City staff for supporting this project. We are going to do great things in Kansas City for many years to come!”
— Brian Noller, Northland Workforce Development Center Campaign Lead